forseelse

Forseelse is a legal term used in several Nordic languages to describe a minor violation of the law. It denotes offenses that are less serious than a crime (forbrytelse in Norwegian and Danish; grov kriminalitet or grovt brott in other terms) and are typically punished with administrative penalties rather than imprisonment. In Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, a forseelse usually carries penalties such as fines, warnings, or other non-custodial measures.

The handling of a forseelse varies by jurisdiction but generally involves authorities such as the police or public prosecutor. Many cases can be settled by payment of a fine or issuing a ticket without a full court hearing. If contested, the matter may be brought before a court, which can impose a fine or another administrative sanction. The concept is designed to address minor infractions efficiently without treating the offender as a criminal.

Examples commonly cited as forseelser include certain traffic violations and other minor regulatory or public-order breaches. The exact definition and penalties depend on national law and administrative rules, and some jurisdictions distinguish a forseelse from more serious offences or from civil violations.

Etymology and usage vary by country. The term is standard in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish legal language, with related terms such as lagförseelse in Swedish. In English, the closest equivalents are misdemeanor or petty offense, though the precise scope and penalties differ by legal system.